A small and elusive mammal native to Europe, distinguished by its rich, dark fur and engaging demeanor. As one of the continent’s most endangered mammal species, the European mink’s story is one of both charm and challenge, marked by a dramatic decline due to habitat loss, hunting, and competition from its larger cousin, the American mink.

Physically, its body is covered with dense, water-repellent fur that is predominantly dark brown, almost black, with a distinctive white patch on the chin and sometimes on the throat and chest. This fur was once highly prized in the fur trade, which led to extensive hunting and contributed significantly to its decline.

One of the most distinctive traits of the European mink is its adaptability in habitat preferences, although it is primarily found near freshwater rivers, streams, and lakes where it can hunt and forage. It is an excellent swimmer, using its partly webbed feet to navigate water easily. This mink feeds on a varied diet that includes small mammals, fish, birds, and amphibians, showcasing its versatility as a predator.

The conservation status of the European mink is dire. Once widespread across Europe, its population is now fragmented and primarily confined to small pockets in Eastern Europe, such as parts of Russia and some Baltic countries. Intensive conservation efforts are underway to protect the remaining populations, including habitat restoration and breeding programs. One significant challenge in its conservation is the competition and hybridization with the non-native American mink, which has been introduced across Europe and is more adaptable and aggressive than its European counterpart.

Efforts to reintroduce the European mink to areas where it has become extinct are ongoing, with mixed success. These reintroduction programs often involve meticulous planning, including the removal of American mink from the area to reduce competition.

Distribution

Country

Population est.

Status

Year

Comments

Austria

Official estimate

EX

Extinct locally

Belarus

Official estimate

EX

Extinct locally

Bulgaria

Official estimate

EX

Extinct locally

Croatia

Official estimate

EX

Extinct locally

Czechia

Official estimate

EX

Extinct locally

Estonia

<100

2015

Reintroduced

Finland

Official estimate

EX

Extinct locally

France

2015

Georgia

Official estimate

EX

Extinct locally

Germany

Official estimate

EX

Extinct locally

Hungary

Official estimate

EX

Extinct locally

Kazakhstan

Official estimate

EX

Extinct locally

Latvia

Official estimate

EX

Extinct locally

Lithuania

Official estimate

EX

Extinct locally

Moldova

Official estimate

EX

Extinct locally

Montenegro

Official estimate

EX

Extinct locally

Netherlands

Official estimate

EX

Extinct locally

Poland

Official estimate

EX

Extinct locally

Romania

1,000-1,500

2015

Russia

2015

Serbia

Official estimate

EX

Extinct locally

Slovakia

Official estimate

EX

Extinct locally

Spain

500

2015

Switzerland

Official estimate

EX

Extinct locally

Ukraine

2015